Studying in Canada can be expensive for international students, but scholarships can significantly reduce the amount you need to pay for tuition. University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students include automatic entrance awards, academic excellence scholarships, tuition fee exemptions and other forms of financial support for eligible students.
The University of Ottawa, also known as uOttawa, is a major Canadian university located in Ottawa, Ontario. It offers undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs and has a wide range of scholarships and bursaries for eligible students.
For international applicants, one of the most important opportunities is the International English Admission Scholarship, which can provide up to C$60,000 over four years for eligible undergraduate students starting from the Winter 2026 term. There is also an International English Academic Excellence Scholarship worth C$10,000 for selected high-achieving students.
This guide explains the major University of Ottawa scholarships available to international students, eligibility requirements, scholarship amounts, application procedures and important points to consider before applying.
What Are University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students?
University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students are financial awards provided by the University of Ottawa to eligible students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents and who meet the requirements for particular scholarships or tuition assistance programs.
A scholarship is generally awarded based on academic achievement or other eligibility criteria, while a bursary is normally designed to provide financial assistance based on financial need or a specific circumstance.
International students may be eligible for different types of financial support depending on their level of study, program, language of instruction, academic performance and immigration status.
Some scholarships are automatic, meaning eligible students are considered without submitting a separate scholarship application. Others require students to submit an application through the university’s scholarship and bursary system.
For prospective students, this distinction is important. You should not assume that every scholarship requires a separate application. Some of the largest international awards at uOttawa are considered automatically when an eligible student is admitted.
University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students in 2026
The University of Ottawa currently lists several opportunities specifically relevant to international students.
The most notable options include international scholarships for English-language undergraduate programs, scholarships for students studying in French or French immersion, faculty-specific awards and graduate-level financial support.
Here is a simplified comparison:
| Scholarship or Award | Study Level | Potential Value | Separate Application? |
|---|---|---|---|
| International English Admission Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to C$60,000 | No, automatic |
| International English Academic Excellence Scholarship | Undergraduate | C$10,000 | No, automatic consideration |
| Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship | Bachelor’s/Master’s | Varies by program | Automatic for eligible students |
| Faculty of Arts Dean’s Merit Scholarship | Undergraduate | C$4,000 | No |
| Faculty of Social Sciences Dean’s Excellence Award | Undergraduate | C$1,500 | Depends on award conditions |
| Engineering Memorial Scholarship | Undergraduate | C$2,000 | Yes |
| International Doctoral Scholarship | PhD | C$45,000 over five years for applicable students | Conditions apply |
| Private donor scholarships/bursaries | Undergraduate/Graduate | Varies | Some require application |
Scholarship amounts and eligibility rules can change between academic years. Applicants should therefore check the university’s current scholarship information before relying on a particular award when preparing a study budget.
International English Admission Scholarship
One of the most significant opportunities for international undergraduate students is the International English Admission Scholarship.
For eligible students beginning in Winter 2026 or later, the scholarship is valued at C$7,500 per term, for a potential total of C$60,000 over a four-year degree.
This is a renewable scholarship, with a maximum of 12 instalments.
The scholarship is particularly important because it is automatic for eligible students. In other words, you do not normally need to submit a separate scholarship application simply to be considered for this award.
Who Can Qualify?
To qualify, applicants generally need to meet several conditions.
You must:
- Be an international student with a valid study permit.
- Be newly admitted to an eligible undergraduate program.
- Begin your studies in Winter 2026 or later.
- Study in an approved English-language undergraduate program.
- Have at least an 80% admission average.
- Be enrolled full-time.
- Not be enrolled in the French immersion stream.
- Pay international tuition fees.
Eligible faculties include areas such as:
- Arts
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Telfer School of Management
The scholarship is renewable, but maintaining it requires the student to continue meeting the university’s conditions, including full-time enrolment.
Students should also understand that an award described as “up to C$60,000” does not mean that every applicant receives C$60,000 as a cash payment. The scholarship is applied according to the university’s terms and is intended to reduce tuition costs.
International English Academic Excellence Scholarship
The International English Academic Excellence Scholarship is another important opportunity for high-achieving international undergraduate applicants.
The award is worth C$10,000, generally distributed as C$5,000 per term.
Unlike the International English Admission Scholarship, this award is not renewable. However, eligible students may be able to combine it with the International English Admission Scholarship.
The university currently lists 100 awards for this scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants generally need to:
- Be international students with a valid study permit.
- Be newly admitted for Winter 2026 or later.
- Enter an eligible English-language undergraduate program.
- Have a very high admission average.
- Meet the full-time enrolment requirement.
- Pay international tuition fees.
- Not be enrolled in the French immersion stream.
The published eligibility information specifies a minimum 95% admission average for this scholarship.
That makes academic performance particularly important for students who want to be considered for the additional C$10,000 award.
Because the award is competitive and limited in number, meeting the minimum academic requirement does not necessarily mean that every eligible student will receive it.
University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students Studying in French
International students should not overlook French-language study when considering uOttawa scholarships.
The university offers a Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship for eligible international Francophone and Francophile students enrolled in certain bachelor’s or master’s programs offered in French or in the French Immersion Stream.
This scholarship is different from a standard cash scholarship.
Instead, it can substantially reduce the tuition amount an eligible international student has to pay.
The exact value varies according to the program and tuition structure.
For example, students in some eligible graduate programs can receive a substantial reduction in tuition through this exemption.
This option can be particularly relevant for international students who are comfortable studying in French and are choosing between English-language and French-language programs.
Before applying, students should carefully check whether their specific program qualifies because not every program automatically falls under the same tuition exemption rules.
Faculty-Specific Scholarships for International Students
Another important part of the University of Ottawa’s scholarship system is faculty-specific funding.
Depending on your academic program, you may find additional scholarships beyond the major international awards.
Faculty of Arts Dean’s Merit Scholarship
The Faculty of Arts offers a Dean’s Merit Scholarship valued at C$4,000, distributed at C$1,000 per year.
The award is intended for high-achieving students entering an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Arts for the first time.
A minimum admission average of 90% is required under the current criteria.
Eligible international students can be considered automatically.
The scholarship can also be renewable if the student continues to satisfy the academic and enrolment requirements.
Faculty of Social Sciences Dean’s Excellence Award
The Faculty of Social Sciences offers a C$1,500 scholarship for eligible international students.
The award is intended for students entering an undergraduate program in the faculty for the first time and requires a high admission average.
The current requirement is a minimum 92% admission average.
This is an example of why international students should look beyond scholarships with “international” in their titles. Faculty-level scholarships can provide additional financial assistance.
Engineering Memorial Scholarship
International students admitted to eligible engineering programs may also qualify for the Engineering Memorial Scholarship.
The award is valued at C$2,000.
Applicants must meet the stated academic requirements and submit the required application materials, which can include a letter explaining their interest in engineering and an updated résumé highlighting academic and extracurricular achievements.
The current deadline listed for this scholarship is March 31.
Students interested in engineering should therefore check faculty scholarship deadlines early rather than waiting until after admission.
University of Ottawa Scholarships for Graduate and PhD Students
International students applying for graduate studies also have scholarship and funding opportunities at the University of Ottawa.
Graduate funding works differently from undergraduate entrance scholarships.
At the master’s and doctoral levels, funding may come from:
- University scholarships
- Faculty awards
- Research funding
- Teaching assistantships
- Research assistantships
- External scholarships
- Tuition exemptions
- Private donor awards
For doctoral students, the University of Ottawa lists an International Doctoral Scholarship valued at C$45,000 over five years for applicable international PhD students.
Graduate applicants should not assume that undergraduate entrance scholarships automatically apply to master’s or doctoral programs.
Instead, prospective graduate students should examine the funding opportunities associated with their particular faculty and program.
Research-based programs may also provide opportunities through supervisors, research projects or assistantships.
This means that contacting the graduate program and understanding its funding structure can be just as important as searching the general scholarship directory.
Are University of Ottawa Scholarships Fully Funded?
Not necessarily.
This is an important distinction for international students.
A scholarship can be substantial without covering every cost associated with studying in Canada.
For example, the International English Admission Scholarship can provide up to C$60,000 over four years, but students may still have expenses such as:
- Remaining tuition
- Housing
- Food
- Health insurance
- Books and supplies
- Transportation
- Study permit-related expenses
- Personal expenses
- Travel costs
Therefore, applicants should not automatically describe every University of Ottawa scholarship as a fully funded scholarship.
A more accurate description is that some scholarships provide significant tuition assistance.
Students should prepare a complete financial plan before travelling to Canada.
How to Apply for University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students
The application process depends on the particular scholarship.
For the major international English undergraduate scholarships, eligible students are considered automatically.
For other scholarships and bursaries, students may need to apply through the university’s online scholarship system.
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Start by selecting an undergraduate, master’s or doctoral program at the University of Ottawa.
Check whether the program is taught in English, French or both because language of instruction can affect scholarship eligibility.
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Submit your application for admission to the University of Ottawa.
Scholarship consideration generally begins after the university has the information needed to assess your eligibility.
Step 3: Receive Your uoAccess Information
For scholarships and bursaries that require an application, students can access the university’s online scholarship and bursary system after applying and receiving their uoAccess ID and password.
Step 4: Check Your Scholarship Eligibility
Read the eligibility requirements carefully.
Pay attention to:
- Admission average
- Program
- Faculty
- Study level
- International student status
- Full-time requirements
- Language of instruction
- Application deadline
- Required documents
Step 5: Submit Additional Applications Where Required
If your scholarship requires a separate application, complete it before the stated deadline.
Some awards may require documents such as:
- Résumé
- Personal statement
- Scholarship letter
- Academic records
- Proof of eligibility
- Other supporting documents
Step 6: Monitor Your Application
After submitting your application, continue checking your university account and email.
Scholarship decisions and additional requests for information may be communicated through university systems.
How to Apply for University of Ottawa Scholarships
For students who want the simplest application route, the process is:
- Choose an eligible University of Ottawa program.
- Apply for admission as an international student.
- Receive your uoAccess ID and password.
- Check the scholarship and bursary opportunities available to you.
- Apply separately where an application is required.
- For automatic scholarships, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and complete your admission and enrolment requirements.
- Monitor your uOttawa account for scholarship information.
Official scholarship and application page:
CLICK HERE TO BEGIN APPLICATION
What Documents Should International Students Prepare?
Although requirements vary between scholarships, preparing your documents early can make the process easier.
Common documents may include:
- Academic transcripts
- Secondary school certificates for undergraduate applicants
- University transcripts for graduate applicants
- Proof of English or French proficiency where required
- Résumé or CV
- Personal statement
- Scholarship essay
- Letters of recommendation where applicable
- Passport information
- Admission documents
- Proof of extracurricular activities or leadership
Do not submit documents simply because they appear on a generic scholarship checklist. Always follow the requirements of the specific award you are applying for.
How to Improve Your Chances of Receiving a Scholarship
There is no guaranteed strategy for winning a competitive scholarship, but applicants can take practical steps to present a stronger application.
Maintain Strong Academic Results
Academic performance is especially important for entrance and excellence scholarships.
If your grades are close to a scholarship threshold, every improvement can matter.
Apply Early
Starting your university application early gives you more time to understand scholarship requirements and prepare supporting documents.
It can also help you avoid missing faculty-specific deadlines.
Research Your Faculty
Do not search only for “University of Ottawa international scholarships.”
Check the scholarships available within your intended faculty.
A student in Engineering may have different opportunities from a student in Arts, Science, Health Sciences or Social Sciences.
Highlight Meaningful Achievements
For scholarships requiring an application, focus on relevant achievements rather than filling your application with unrelated activities.
Examples include:
- Academic competitions
- Leadership
- Community service
- Research
- Volunteer work
- Student organizations
- Entrepreneurship
- Professional experience
Check Renewal Conditions
Receiving a scholarship for the first year does not always mean that it will continue automatically.
Some renewable awards require students to maintain a particular academic performance and full-time enrolment.
Read the renewal conditions before building your long-term financial plan around a scholarship.
Common Mistakes International Applicants Should Avoid
One common mistake is assuming that every scholarship is available to every international student.
Scholarships can have very specific conditions.
Another mistake is confusing scholarships with bursaries. They are not necessarily awarded for the same reasons.
Applicants should also avoid assuming that a scholarship described as “up to” a particular amount will automatically provide that full amount.
Other mistakes include:
- Missing application deadlines
- Ignoring faculty-specific scholarships
- Failing to check renewal requirements
- Applying for an ineligible program
- Assuming a scholarship covers living expenses
- Using outdated scholarship information
- Waiting until after enrolment to investigate funding
- Submitting incomplete scholarship applications
The safest approach is to check the current requirements for each award before making financial or immigration plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get scholarships at the University of Ottawa?
Yes. The University of Ottawa offers several scholarships and financial support opportunities for eligible international students. These include international undergraduate scholarships, faculty-specific awards, tuition exemptions for eligible French-language students and graduate-level funding opportunities.
How much is the University of Ottawa International English Admission Scholarship?
For eligible students starting in Winter 2026 or later, the International English Admission Scholarship is valued at C$7,500 per term, up to C$60,000 over four years, subject to the scholarship’s conditions and maximum number of instalments.
Is the University of Ottawa scholarship automatic?
Some scholarships are automatic, while others require an application. The International English Admission Scholarship is an automatic scholarship for eligible students. Other faculty scholarships and bursaries may require students to submit an online application.
What grades do I need for a University of Ottawa scholarship?
The required academic average depends on the specific award. For example, the International English Admission Scholarship requires at least an 80% admission average, while the International English Academic Excellence Scholarship requires a 95% admission average under the current criteria.
Can I get a University of Ottawa scholarship for a master’s degree?
Yes. International master’s students can access certain scholarships and tuition assistance programs, including the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship for eligible programs. Graduate students should also investigate faculty awards, research funding, assistantships and external funding opportunities.
Does the scholarship cover accommodation and living expenses?
Not necessarily. Many University of Ottawa scholarships primarily reduce tuition costs. Students should separately budget for accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, books and other living expenses.
Final Thoughts on University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students
University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students can make studying in Canada considerably more affordable, particularly for students with strong academic records.
The most significant current undergraduate opportunity is the International English Admission Scholarship, which can provide up to C$60,000 over four years for eligible students beginning from Winter 2026. High-achieving applicants may also be considered for the C$10,000 International English Academic Excellence Scholarship.
However, international students should look beyond these two awards. Faculty-specific scholarships, French-language tuition exemptions, graduate funding, doctoral scholarships and private donor awards can provide additional financial support.
The most important step is to check your eligibility before applying and distinguish between automatic scholarships and awards that require a separate application.
If you are planning to study at uOttawa, start your admission application early, review the scholarship requirements carefully and use the university’s official scholarship system to identify opportunities available for your program.
